A recent joint report by Oxfam, the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), and the Palestine Trade Centre (PalTrade) estimates that the cost to rebuild Gaza will exceed $71.4 billion over the next decade. This figure is reportedly seven times greater than the total costs of all previous reconstruction efforts in the region over the last twenty years. The report highlights significant destruction, including the loss of housing, healthcare, and educational facilities, and emphasizes that any reconstruction plan must involve direct Palestinian participation to be effective. However, independent confirmation of these claims remains limited, and the full extent of the damage and necessary funding is still being assessed. The report outlines a phased approach to rebuilding, starting with emergency relief and moving towards long-term development, but the timeline and feasibility of these plans are uncertain given the scale of destruction and the need for substantial international support. The report also notes that before reconstruction can begin, approximately 66 million tonnes of rubble must be cleared, which poses health and safety risks due to potential hazardous materials and unexploded ordnance. Overall, while the report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing Gaza, the situation remains fluid and requires further verification from reliable sources.
